Archive for the ‘gardening’ Category

2010 a recap in words and pictures

Friday, January 7th, 2011


Before I plunge in headfirst to this new year, I thought I would share my highs and lows of 2010 – it’s been a doozy!

On the bright side:

  1. I introduced the much-anticipated Mini-Soiree bag in a rainbow of colors.
  2. Traveled to New York City, Maui, and Vegas within a 2 month window. But none of those adventures could top our week-long ‘stay-cation’ here in the Pacific Northwest Coast. It proved to be the most relaxing and inspiring trip in recent memory.
  3. My parents helped us with some serious upgrades to my garage-turned-workshop
  4. We turned a truck-full of rocks into a english cobblestone yard, and got plants into the ground just before the fall rains came.

But not all was daisies and roses. . .I also had 3 significant setbacks that have proven to be learning experiences of sorts:

  1. I slipped off a rock at a difficult snorkeling entry in Maui, seriously dislocating my finger. Not having health insurance, it has been an expensive and slow healing process. I am grateful that I could have been worse.  As for sewing, I’m learning to work around it.
  2. I had to say goodbye to my furry friend Corgan, who passed away after 13 years together. I had no idea that losing a pet would be so hard.
  3. I over-ambitiously took on too many custom projects, and ran out of some of my best-sellers during the holiday season.  I’m going to be playing catch-up for a while, but I will not make this mistake again.

I certainly consider 2010 to be a success.  Perhaps I didn’t accomplish everything that I set out to do: I’ve always been guilty of having great expectations. But nevertheless, these lofty goals are the fuel that keeps me motivated,  looking ahead to 2011.

buttercrunch lettuce and marigolds in wooden wine box

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

buttercrunch lettuce and marigolds in wooden wine box, originally uploaded by Crystalyn Kae.

My new favorite thing is growing my own lettuce. For some reason when I buy lettuce, it goes bad in the fridge before I eat it all – but growing it myself lets me harvest as needed . .and it tastes truly delicious. (Who knew?)

Anyway, I got this genius container lettuce idea from  the book: ‘Garden Anywhere’ by Alys Fowler. We have lots of crates left over from a booth display so I kidnapped a few. The book suggests to treat them with danish oil, but I have a big costco jug of expired olive oil – so I used that. My only recommendation is to use screws to keep the sides together – mine is bursting at the seams!

flowering quince in bloom (and on sale!)

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

Chaenomeles speciosa, (Japanese quince) and Soiree Messenger bag in "Quince Blossom"

We have been blessed by a beautiful early spring here in Seattle, and I wanted to share a bit of it with you!   I spotted this flowering Japanese quince in my neighbor’s yard and thought it would be the perfect time to introduce  ”Quince Blossom” a limited-edition vintage fabric adorning my Green Soiree Messenger.  To celebrate the early coming of spring (or to encourage spring to come to those of you still covered in snow) I am offering 15% off my Green and Brown Soiree bags until March 15.

Update: 3/20 the Quince Blossom fabric has sold out!

appreciate everyday beauty: spring goodness

Sunday, January 31st, 2010

Here in Seattle we are having one of the warmest Januarys in ages. Bulbs are already popping and can smell spring in the air!

how many potted plants will fit into a cargo van?

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

apparently you can fit 15! this was our very last load at our old apartment!  whew!

sprouting the Spring goodness

Thursday, April 9th, 2009

img_41341

 

My well-intentioned goal of keeping things simple this gardening season lasted about a week.  I can’t help myself – I keep eyeing the bare spots in my patio containers that I could squeeze in an herb or small veggie.

This weekend I went a little nuts purchasing seeds and am trying to sprout: onions, cilantro, basil, nasturtiums, and chamomile.  I figure, it’s cheaper than buying starts, and I can do a little indoor gardening until the weather gets a bit warmer.  It has only been 4 days and the little babes are already sprouting! It is so immensely satisfying!

patio in bloom!

Thursday, April 2nd, 2009

img_4117red anemone'in the pink' camellia

Alas, the  Seattle skies are gloomy gray, but a few spots of bright color have sprung out on my patio!  Since we hope to be moving this summer, I plan to make the most of my existing bulbs and perennial plants – and not go veggie-crazy until we get settled into  a new house.   I hope these will help give me my *fix* for now!

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